Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection date 19 November 2018 Previous inspection date 11 November 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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The provision is good

n The childminder has a fun and nurturing personality. Children show that they feel comfortable and very happy in her care. They laugh together as they have fun trying to jump on each other's shadows in the garden. n The childminder organises a wide range of experiences and outings to extend children's understanding of the world. For instance, they visit a museum with a flour mill and grind grain to produce flour. Regular visits to a local farm help them to respect animals as they carefully handle and feed guinea pigs. They also watch lambs being born. n The well-qualified childminder focuses well on her role. She uses various methods to regularly enhance her knowledge and skills. Recent training has increased her understanding of the importance of learning through play. n The childminder forms secure partnerships with parents. She keeps them fully informed of their children's good progress and involves them in every aspect of their child's

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The provision is good

learning and care. Parents describe the childminder as 'professional and friendly'.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n The childminder does not always enable children to complete tasks to their own satisfaction before moving them on to other activities. n On occasions, children are not given enough time to think about and respond to the childminder's enthusiastic questioning.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n strengthen the opportunities for children to continue with their preferred choice of activities n provide more opportunities for children to enhance their thinking and speaking skills as they formulate answers and respond to questions.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector interacted with and spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided and discussed with the childminder how she reflects on the service she provides.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of the possible signs that indicate that children may be at risk of harm. She knows how to take swift action to protect children's welfare in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder carries out robust risk assessments to help ensure that children remain safe in her care. She carefully reviews children's progress to swiftly address any possible gaps in their learning. The childminder regularly reflects on the service she provides. This helps her to identify and address any areas for improvement successfully. Secure partnerships with other settings that children attend fully support children's continuity of learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder's detailed observations and assessments help her to meet the needs of all children. Weekly forest school sessions help children to learn about the natural world. The childminder places a strong emphasis on promoting children's language skills. For instance, she introduces them to new words, such as 'hibernation' and 'x-ray', and explains their meanings. This supports children to build a broad range of vocabulary. The childminder consistently expresses a genuine interest in what children have to say. This motivates them to use complex sentences to talk about forthcoming and past events. Children enjoy many activities that help them to build the small muscles in their hands to develop increased control in their writing. For example, they thread leaves onto a narrow length of wood from a willow tree.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder is a positive role model. She consistently encourages children to use good manners. Children demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility. They confidently carry out age-appropriate tasks. For example, they eagerly help the childminder to tidy away the toys and activities they have finished playing with. The childminder provides children with good opportunities to assess their own risks and develop strength and stamina. For instance, they climb large apparatus and jump across wooden stepping stones under the close supervision of the childminder.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children gain the necessary skills needed to help prepare them for their future learning at school. They are independent individuals. Children manage their own personal needs and fasten the zip on their coat before going outdoors. They write their own name and draw detailed pictures. Children recall familiar stories and join in with repeated refrains from their favourite books. They identify numbers and solve simple mathematical problems, such as subtraction.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY270729 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10069414 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 11 November 2014

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Welwyn Garden City. She operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Registers

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Registers

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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